From Bot. Mag.: The entire absence of the lateral lobes of the lip (which usually enfold the column in this genus) gives this species a most remarkable appearance, and may after all possibly be indicative of one of those freaks of nature which are so common in the flowers of this natural family. The column is here quite exposed, presenting an unnatural appearance in the flower. The sepals and petals are of a peculiar lurid colour; but this circumstance is in some degree compensated for by the delicate pink of the large fleshy column, and the deep rose-purple of the exposed upper side of the lip, with its white delicate fringe at the broad apex.

Also published in Bot. Mag. 83: 4909 in 1856: The plant is a native of Brazil, and for a long time was only known in Europe by the drawing made on the spot by M. Descourtilz, published by Dr. Lindley. In 1838 it was announced as having been imported by Messrs. Loddiges.